"The wound must be mortal, signor."
"And who is your enemy? A nobleman or a common citizen? Rich or poor?"
"He is a nobleman, signor, and the possessor of an ample fortune."
"A nobleman? And who are you, who make yourself responsible for payment?"
"I am a poor servant out of service."
The ruffian smiled incredulously.
"Ah!" said he, ironically, "a poor servant out of service! Come, throw
back your hood. You have red hair; you often play at dice; your name is
Julio; you live near the bridge De la Vigne with the Signor Simon
Turchi. Is not that true? You were trying to deceive me."
Julio, thus unexpectedly recognized, was mute from astonishment, and, trembling from head to foot, stared at the ruffian, who did not appear in the least displeased, but said, in an encouraging tone:
"Be calm; you need not be disturbed because I know who you are. My trade is to keep the most important affairs secret. Fear nothing, I will not betray you."
It was some minutes before Julio had recovered himself sufficiently to speak.